Family Imperium: German Milliardrs Clan: Who are the Reimanns? | Message

Coffee, perfume or cleaning products – all of this belongs to the palette of the richest family in Germany. And here is also the secret of success of the billionaire family: They invest in brands that almost everyone knows. But who are the Reimanns actually? Hardly anyone knows them. The Reimanns are Germany's richest and least known billionaire family. To her belong four families – the siblings Renate Reimann-Haas and Wolfgang Reimann as well as their half-brothers Stefan and Matthias Reimann-Andersen – with a total of ten children. Together, they have a fortune of around 33 billion euros. In October last year, the family, originally from the area around Mannheim and Heidelberg, was declared the richest family in the country. This resulted in a statement of assets of the 1,001 richest Germans, published by the "Manager Magazin". With that, they squeezed BMW heirs Stefan Quandt and Susanne Klatten from first place.

Much is not known about this mysterious family. They do not give interviews and generally withdraw very much from the public. All four siblings should probably have a science education. Insiders say they live well, but not luxurious. In addition, little information is known.
How did the Reimanns become super rich?

It all started at the beginning of the 19th century. At that time Johann Adam Benckiser founded together with the chemist Karl Ludwig Reimann a chemical company in Pforzheim. Her products included detergents based on citric acid. The unprecedented rise began.

When Benckiser dies, Reimann becomes sole owner of the group and brings it to Ludwigshafen. In 1923, great-great-grandson Albert Reimann joins the company and invents products such as Calgon water purifier. He lays the foundation for family wealth. After Albert Reimann becomes the sole owner of the company, he invents today's brands Kukident or Calgonit. In 1981, the graduate economist Peter Harf finally joined the company, which later became known as Johann Adam Benckiser (JAB) Holding. It is the salvation of the Reimann Group, which has been badly hit by the sluggish economy. Harf buys some brands, opens up new divisions and reaches critical mass. Even today, he acts as manager of the Reimanns and manages the business of the family holding.

1984 dies Albert Reimann and leaves his five adopted children as well as the four children of his sister Else Dubbers one ninth of the group.

In 1992, the Reimann-based company bought Pfizer's Coty perfume maker for about $ 400 million. Four years later, Albert's adoptive children pay Dubber's children. In 1997, the company is finally split into Benckiser and Coty, Benckiser dares the transaction in Amsterdam. Just two years later, Benckiser merges with Reckitt & Colman to become Reckitt Benckiser. This company then develops into the fastest-growing and most profitable group in the industry. It is now the world's number one with cleaning, cleaning and detergents dar. Brands such as Clearasil, Vanish or Sagrotan came out of it. Harf joins the Board of Directors, Bart Becht, formerly with Procter & Gamble, becomes CEO of Reckitt Benckiser.

In 2007, JAB Holding, which grew out of its holdings in Coty and Reckitt Benckiser, founds Labelux Holding, a luxury brands company such as Bally and Belstaff. Three years later, the Reimann dynasty buys the nail care brand Opi and TJoy in China. In 2011, the luxury brand Jimmy Choo will be acquired by Labelux. A year later, the takeover of Avion fails. The Group buys Peet's Coffee & Tea and Caribou Coffee. Another year later, the purchase of DE Master Blender, known for brands such as Senseo, is priced at nearly $ 8 billion. In 2014, the worldwide manufacturer of detergents takes over the coffee division of Mondelez, including Jacobs and Tassimo, thereby creating one of the largest coffee companies in the world. Moreover, they succeed shortly after a big coup – the Reimanns take over the coffee capsule manufacturer Keurig Green Mountain. Meanwhile, the US donut chain Krispy Kreme and the baking chain Panera Bread are also supplementing their portfolio.

A few days ago, finally, the family clan announced the purchase of lemonade manufacturer Dr. Ing. Pepper Snapple, which also includes 7UP and Sunkist. The deal should be funded with nine billion dollars. Dr. Pepper should then be merged with Keurig. The billionaire family wanted to create a large beverage company that could easily compete with industry leaders such as Coca-Cola or Pepsi. The transaction should be completed in the second quarter, but shareholders and supervisors would have to agree at first.